If you are a new mom or an expectant mother, you might be wondering what WIC is all about and how to locate a WIC store. This guide is here to help you understand what WIC is, how it works, and where to find a WIC store.
What is WIC?
WIC is the USDA Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. WIC provides nutrition and breastfeeding services and supplemental foods to pregnant women, new mothers, infants and children up to their 5th birthday.
WIC gives you resources, knowledge and tools to help you and support your family.
It’s free for moms, dads, grandparents, foster parents and all in Thousand Oaks, California families who qualify.
Eligibility for WIC
To be eligible for WIC in Thousand Oaks, California, you must meet the following criteria:
- Live in the state where you apply for WIC.
- Be a pregnant, breastfeeding, or postpartum woman, an infant, or a child under the age of five.
- Be at nutritional risk, which means that there is a medical or dietary condition that can be improved by participating in the WIC program.
- Meet the income guidelines in Thousand Oaks, California, which vary by state.
Benefits of WIC
There are four key parts to the WIC program:
1. Healthy Foods. WIC foods include fruits and vegetables, whole grains, eggs, milk, cheese, yogurt, peanut butter/beans, cereal, juice, infant foods and formula.
2. Breastfeeding Support. WIC provides breastfeeding education, support, and breast pumps to qualifying participants.
3. Nutrition Education. Nutrition information, tools and solutions for parenting, nutrition and a healthy lifestyle.
4. Health Care Referrals. Personalized referrals to health services and other community resources.
How to apply for WIC
To apply for WIC in Thousand Oaks, California, follow these steps:
1. Find a local WIC agency: Use the WIC agency locator on your state Department of Health and Human Services website to find a WIC agency near you.
2. Make an appointment: Call the WIC agency to schedule an appointment. Be prepared to provide information about your income, residency, and family size.
3. Attend the appointment: At the appointment, you will meet with a WIC staff member who will assess your nutritional risk and provide nutrition education.
4. Receive WIC checks: If you are eligible, you will receive WIC checks that can be used to purchase WIC-approved foods at a WIC store.
What to expect during the WIC appointment
- Check your height and weight to determine your body mass index (BMI).
- Take a blood sample to test for anemia.
- Discuss your medical and dietary history to determine your nutritional risk.
- Provide nutrition education on healthy eating, breastfeeding, and infant feeding.
WIC Stores
WIC benefits are widely accepted for eligible food items at various stores in Thousand Oaks, California:
Stores Accept WIC Card in Thousand Oaks, California
7 Eleven Store 13869B
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/20/2014
Address :
1773 E Thousand Oaks Blvd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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7 Eleven Store 13880F
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 6/16/2014
Address :
50 E Wilbur Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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99 Cents Only Store 359
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/18/2012
Address :
950 E Avenida de Los Arboles,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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ALDI 79143
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 11/12/2020
Address :
179 N Moorpark Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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Costco Wholesale 0117
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 10/30/2009
Address :
5700 Lindero Canyon Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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CVS Pharmacy 3934
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 3/9/2009
Address :
60 N Moorpark Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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CVS Pharmacy 9241
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 4/23/2009
Address :
1822 E Avenida de Los Arboles,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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CVS Pharmacy 9633
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/22/2008
Address :
1382 N Moorpark Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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Dollar Tree 3999
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 6/13/2009
Address :
1760 N Moorpark Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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Dollar Tree 7545
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/12/2018
Address :
5770 Lindero Canyon Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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Establos Meat Market
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 9/9/2013
Address :
140 W Hillcrest Dr,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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Garden India Grocery
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 9/15/2015
Address :
672 E Thousand Oaks Blvd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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Gelson's Markets 32
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/6/2017
Address :
1736 E Avenida de Los Arboles,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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Hampshire Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 10/1/2014
Address :
11 Hampshire Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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Lassens Natural Foods & Vitamins TO
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 10/26/2007
Address :
2150 E Thousand Oaks Blvd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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Latino Market 1
Store Details :
- Type: Medium Grocery Store
- Authorization Date: 2/7/2014
Address :
711 E Thousand Oaks Blvd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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North Oaks Market & Liquor
Store Details :
- Type: Convenience Store
- Authorization Date: 8/15/2011
Address :
1086 E Avenida de Los Arboles,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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RALPHS 620
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 6/13/2002
Address :
1500 N Moorpark Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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Ralphs Fresh Fare 9
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
3963 Thousand Oaks,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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RITE AID 5559
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/22/2004
Address :
387 E Thousand Oaks Blvd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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RITE AID 5560
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 12/22/2004
Address :
3825 E Thousand Oaks Blvd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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Siesta Market
Store Details :
- Type: Combination Grocery/Other
- Authorization Date: 2/20/2019
Address :
1372 E Thousand Oaks Blvd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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Smart & Final 919
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/30/2016
Address :
5770 Lindero Canyon Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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Sprouts Farmers Market 214
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 4/20/2010
Address :
600 W Hillcrest Dr,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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TARGET STORE 2810
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 7/23/2014
Address :
30740 Russell Ranch Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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Thousand Oaks 9033
Store Details :
- Type: Meat/Poultry Specialty
- Authorization Date: 12/14/2021
Address :
101 S Westlake Blvd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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Thousand Oaks Certified Farmers' Market
Store Details :
- Type: Farmer's Market
- Authorization Date: 9/7/2012
Address :
350 W Hillcrest Dr,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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Trader Joe's 196
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 12/6/2005
Address :
451 E Avenida de Los Arboles,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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TRADER JOE'S 58
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 6/30/2003
Address :
3835 E THOUSAND OAKS BLVD,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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VONS 1610
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 9/29/2003
Address :
1790 N Moorpark Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
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VONS 2092
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 1/1/1930
Address :
2048 E Avenida de Los Arboles,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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VONS 2215
Store Details :
- Type: Supermarket
- Authorization Date: 7/9/1991
Address :
1135 Lindero Cyn Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362.
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Whole Foods Market 10204
Store Details :
- Type: Super Store
- Authorization Date: 3/7/2005
Address :
740 N Moorpark Rd,
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360.
Get Directions
Tips for shopping at a WIC store in Thousand Oaks, California
Here are some tips for shopping at a WIC store in Thousand Oaks, California:
1. Plan ahead: Before going to the store, make a list of the WIC-approved foods you need to purchase.
2. Check expiration dates: Make sure to check the expiration dates on all food items before purchasing them.
3. Don't forget your WIC checks: Make sure to bring your WIC checks with you to the store.
4. Ask for help: If you have any questions or need assistance, don't hesitate to ask a WIC store staff member for help.
Free Food Programs Summary
| Acronym | Name | For Moms & Kids | For Seniors | For Food Bank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| WIC | Women, Infants, and Children | Yes | No | No |
| TEFAP | The Emergency Food Assistance Program | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| CSFP | The Commodity Supplemental Food Program | No | Yes | Yes |
| CACFP | The Child and Adult Care Food Program | Yes | Yes | No |
| NSLP | The National School Lunch Program | Yes | No | No |
| SBP | The School Breakfast Program | Yes | No | No |
| SFSP | The Summer Food Service Program | Yes | No | No |
Federal Poverty Limit in California
| POVERTY LIMIT FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | ||
|---|---|---|
| Persons in Family | Poverty Limit(100%) | Poverty Limit(200%) |
| 1 | $14,580 | $29,160 |
| 2 | $19,720 | $39,440 |
| 3 | $24,860 | $49,720 |
| 4 | $30,000 | $60,000 |
| 5 | $35,140 | $70,280 |
| 6 | $40,280 | $80,560 |
| 7 | $45,420 | $90,840 |
| 8 | $50,560 | $101,120 |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,140 for each additional person. | ||
FAQ(Frequently Asked Questions)
1.What is the income limit to qualify for WIC Thousand Oaks, California?
The income limit to qualify for WIC varies by state and household size. Check Federal Poverty Limit above for your state.
2. Can I apply for WIC if I am an undocumented immigrant?
Yes, undocumented immigrants may be eligible for WIC if they meet the other eligibility requirements. WIC is a non-cash benefit, so it does not affect immigration status.
3. How often can I visit a WIC store Thousand Oaks, California?
WIC participants are typically required to visit a WIC store once a month to pick up their food benefits.
4. Can I use my WIC benefits at any grocery store?
No, WIC benefits can only be used at WIC-approved stores Thousand Oaks, California.
4. Can I use my WIC card in another state ?
You can not use one state WIC card in another state. However if you relocate to another state can go to that state WIC agency to update WIC card for that state.
The new agency will verify your eligibility, and you can continue to receive benefits in the new state.
5. What should I do if I lose my WIC checks?
If you lose your WIC checks, contact your local WIC agency immediately to request replacement checks.